After achieving the first Moto2 podium for KTM, the Portuguese rider will seek to continue his excellent form at the GP of The Americas. Joining him will be Ricky Cardus, replacing the injured Brad Binder.

The Moto2 World Championship hits Austin this weekend for the third round of the year. The Red Bull KTM Ajo team arrive in their best form for the final round before the series moves on to Europe, thanks to Miguel Oliveira having taken both his and KTM’s first podium in the class at Termas de Rio Hondo. By his side will be KTM test rider Ricky Cardus, replacing the injured Brad Binder. The South African underwent surgery on his left forearm last Thursday, after a plate in his arm had been displaced before the race in Argentina.

Miguel Oliveira arrives in the US with the objective of continuing his strong start to the season, with a fourth and a second position from the opening rounds. The Portuguese has taken part in every edition of the Texan event since its inclusion on the calendar in 2013 -his best result a fifth place in the inaugural year with Red Bull KTM Ajo in Moto3. Last year, in his rookie season in the intermediate class, he did not finish the race.

Ricky Cardus is KTM’s Moto2 test rider, and has previously replaced Binder at private preseason tests in Valencia. The Spaniard has participated in the Grand Prix of The Americas on three occasions, with a tenth place in 2014 his best result in the Moto2 class.

The GP of The Americas will follow a regular schedule, with the Moto2 race on Sunday at 12:20pm local time.

Circuit information – Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
Length: 5.513 m / 3.426 miles
Width: 15 metres
Left corners: 11
Right corners: 9
Longest straight: 1.200 m / 0.746 miles
Constructed: 2012

44 MIGUEL OLIVEIRA

“After getting my first podium of the year in Argentina, we are very optimistic about this event in the United States. The Circuit of The Americas is a tough track where it is very difficult to make a difference. You need a very stable bike under braking, but also at the same time need it to be very agile in the first and third sectors. In Moto2 there is the possibility of using either first or second gear on some of the corners and this changes the way you ride. It is a circuit where in the past I have not achieved great results, but I hope to have the opportunity to turn this dynamic around this year. The team are working very well and we will try to continue in the same way, developing the bike and gathering new information. I’m confident of a good performance.”

 

88 RICKY CARDUS

“I am very happy to be able to enjoy this opportunity, although I am sad that it comes about because of the injury to Brad Binder -a great rider and World Champion for whom I have a lot of respect. I wish him a speedy recovery. This weekend I have to take advantage of this GP to enjoy a bike that I know well. I know more or less where we can get the best out of it, and it has the potential to be in the top positions. I am taking this weekend as a few days in which to help the team, as I am one of the test riders and we must continue to evolve the bike. I will fight and do my best to get a good result. I want to thank the whole team at Ajo Motorsport, KTM and Red Bull for thinking of me. I’m looking forward to starting the GP already!”